Any competitive edge is worth getting excited about if you’re an NBA team looking to compete for a title. If the reigning champions have a toxic situation on their hands, of course it’s a great look for the 29 other teams from the outside looking in.
The Philadelphia 76ers would be low-key giddy if the New York Knicks suddenly had a Karl-Anthony Towns issue to worry about before training camp, but the star center is truly playing his cards the right way.
Does he want a new extension before having to make a decision on his player option for next season? Of course. Does he deserve it? Absolutely! But ESPN’s Brian Windhorst suggests that Towns and the Knicks are simply far apart on a new deal. The Sixers know very well that a failed deal can lead to drama and an inevitable trade to break up a core part of the roster. However, the update from Tim McMahon on The Hoop Collective that means the most is that Towns isn’t playing hardball. The vibes are simply too good in NYC still.
Nothing good for the Sixers right now
The Sixers shouldn’t be focusing on anybody else but themselves. They just added a new superstar in Jaylen Brown, swapping out Paul George after two seasons. LeBron James decided to join the team as well, taking on a minimum contract in order to make the pairing possible.
I don’t expect the Sixers to be side-eyeing the Knicks right now, but those who don’t suit up (like myself) can–and certainly will. These instances simply matter. The Knicks’ clear positive chemistry was a driving factor in their championship run. They’ve had talent before last season, but building cohesiveness is what helped them take it over the top so they could bring the trophy to Madison Square Garden. Success and money will complicate things in the future, but Towns is doing his best to prevent that from becoming an issue early on.
A little opening-night drama for the other side wouldn’t have hurt the Sixers, but it simply doesn’t seem to be trending that way. Towns continues to prove himself as a solid teammate and star on the roster, and the Knicks are fortunate to be in this position right now. Without an extension soon, the demeanor can change over time, but the early temperature check says that New York will be business as usual at the start of camp.
The 76ers can’t bank on a disgruntled rival on October 20.
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